Third Party Distribution Manager​/PL Distribution Manager

Distribution Manager United States – North Chicago, IL at Abb Vie Domestic Supply Chain Hub, 1401 N. Sheridan Road. The Distribution Manager is responsible for ensuring the delivery of Abb Vie products to customers and patients in a safe and secure manner and within required time frames. The role is a key interface to Abb Vie Commercial Operations and will assist in implementing strategic distribution initiatives while achieving annual financial objectives.

The role drives cost effectiveness, performance and service levels for the Abb Vie distribution network in the area assigned. Lead a team of Distribution Managers responsible for end-to-end Supply Chain activities, Commercial Affiliate interactions and management of third-party service providers. Oversee distribution activities within countries of direct responsibility to ensure customer requirements are met while satisfying Abb Vie policies and performance targets related to inventory efficiency, on-time delivery and quality/completeness.

• Implement, support and document the Governance Model of the 3PLs leading Monthly Business Review (M ) with each provider. Lead the implementation of the D&L KPI and ensure the monthly reporting requirements are met. Champion implementation of standard processes/policies developed by the D&L COE and drive other activities necessary to achieve operational excellence in distribution and customer service while promoting the CoE with Affiliates leadership.
• Lead Quarterly business reviews and support Abb Vie and the 3PLs to align on Strategy, outcomes for the future and ensure targets met for Warehousing and Distribution operations. Monitor and provide feedback on 3PL performance (e.g., on-time delivery, inventory accuracy).
• Coordinate with appropriate D&L COE staff and Abb Vie functional partners to set inventory policies that 3PLs must follow. Initiate activities in line with global and local financial policies, review inbound/outbound deliveries (returned goods), and inventory by product; resolve discrepancies and returns.
• Establish operating budget and measure financial performance through submission of monthly financial figures provided by the 3PLs. Lead GMI improvements and saving projects. Partner with 3PLs to find ways to improve Warehousing and Distribution processes to improve service levels to external customers. Liaise with affiliates by capturing customer requirements and supporting Abb Vie commercial leads in the countries under their responsibility.
• Review upcoming volumes, product launches and future capacity needs; coordinate activities and communicate among the 3PL, Supply Planning and Customer Service teams. Undertake analysis for new product distribution to avoid delays and, where possible, expedite access to market (e.g., warehouse preparation, special distribution requirements).
• Work with Global and/or Regional COE staff to drive process changes and projects affecting Abb Vie in the countries under their responsibility and/or its 3PL partner(s). Support Customer Service and QA in responding to requests or complaints, escalate order issues as required, assist with asset tracking and traceability, support Finance teams with actual-to-budget spend analysis, and plan with Global D&L COE staff to execute strategic projects.
• Identify distribution-related risks and escalate to the appropriate D&L COE staff as needed. Provide root cause analysis for underperformance; review 3PL performance gaps and improvement plans. Partner with Global Process Lead for Supply Chain, Warehouse and Logistics staff to plan and execute changes to SAP interfaces and reporting tools with the 3PLs.
• Communicate and sponsor the activities and key successes of the D&L CoE to ensure visibility during Management Review, S&OP, Area Review and other CoE meetings. Coordinate activities and communications among the 3PLs, Supply Planning and Customer Service teams to promote a continuous logistics culture within Affiliates and the Area.
• Identify Supply Chain improvement opportunities and drive a culture of continuous improvement. Promote sharing of best practices. Drive risk management processes and escalation…